Next month, the Department of For-Hire Vehicles is excited to share an analysis of ride-hailing trip data for the District. We have analyzed for-hire trip information from the TNCs (transportation network companies, ie, Uber, Lyft, Via) that operate in the District. The data will offer interesting insights on where and when people are traveling in for-hire services. Our data dashboard will display general travel times, popular travel days, average trip speeds, and the number of vehicles in service.

DFHV collects anonymized trip information from the TNCs, as mandated by law, and uses the information to help the Bowser Administration make long-term transportation planning and funding decisions. Our new dashboard is one of several platforms DFHV monitors to help improve the efficiency of our government and transportation system.

A recent report indicates TNCs have a major impact on traffic in the District. It is critical for us to understand patterns of use to better manage traffic congestion while ensuring the public has access to transportation options. Thus, we will engage in discussions pertaining to this TNC trip data with policy makers, operators, industry stakeholders, and the public regarding how to structure a regulatory environment to support the continued evolution of the for-hire ride.

The Department of For-Hire Vehicles has scheduled the next meeting with the Citizens Advisory Council in Ward 7 for Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at 7:00 pm. The meeting will be held at the Seventh District MPD Office at 2455 Alabama Avenue, SE.

DFHV Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) will be available to offer useful information about road safety, regulatory compliance, and agency services. In addition to residents, allfor-hire drivers are encouraged to attend.

Note that as of September 30, 2019, the DFHV meter will no longer be offered as a choice and drivers who previously used this meter must choose from the available DTS and OPT options before this date to ensure continued service operation.

The National League of Cities (NLC) recently released a report that encourages cities to consider congestion pricing as a potentially economical solution to manage traffic to improve the quality of life for residents.The concept of congestion pricing is based on charging vehicle operators a fee to drive in a specified area or zone within a city. The foundation of the economic model is when a public good is in high demand (roadway), the price charged to use that good should increase to reflect its value.

New York is currently the only city in the United States to have committed to implementing congestion pricing, however the
NLC report encourages growing cities to consider similar plans to prevent future traffic woes.
The report evaluates the congestion pricing plans in London, Singapore, and Stockholm, as well as the New York City plan.

While London's population increased by about 20% between 2000 and 2015, traffic volume decreased by about 10% as a result of a pricing program started in 2003.

Singapore has the oldest congested pricing program in the world starting in 1975 and has successfully encouraged use public transit use

Customer Service Reminder

This is a reminder to for-hire drivers that items left by passengers in vehicles should be returned to DFHV. The Lost and Found Department is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

In addition, all DC taxi operators must comply with DFHV Title 31 regulations to provide passengers with a meter-generated receipt. The receipt includes the name and contact information for the vehicle operator, vehicle identification number, date, time, distance traveled, fare amount, and contact information for DFHV.

Customer Service = Help and Support

DFHV: Working For You

The mission of DFHV is to ensure the visitors and residents
of the District of Columbia have safe, affordable, and accessible for-hire transportation options. Passengers should take the necessary precautions when riding in for-hire vehicles such as confirming the identity of the driver, vehicle, and destination. We want you to Ride Safe.

The DFHV staff is committed to providing excellent customer experiences in the office and on the street. We will continue to resolve issues, put forth an effort to be responsive, and support innovations while managing the evolution of the industry to sustain its viability.

DFHV appreciates hearing from the public so send your
comments to DFHV@dc.gov.

All owners and operators licensed by or registered with the Department of For-Hire Vehicles are required to maintain their current contact information on file which must include a current mailing address, phone number and email address. Client Services will not conduct a transaction without verification.

Tell Us What You Think

DFHV appreciates your feedback. The suggestions and observations received from those in the industry, related stakeholders and the general public provide valuable insight that shapes our policies, programs and regulations. Give Feedback.